Each week I interview someone who has experienced infertility firsthand. Today I’m interviewing Colleen from What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting. She experienced infertility after cancer and is getting ready to start the surrogacy process. I know you’ll appreciate her positive outlook. Enjoy!
Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a 32 year old ABA therapist, working with student on the autism spectrum. My husband Lou and I were married in April 2014 and recently bought our first home in North Haven, CT.
Q. How long have you been trying to conceive and what issues are you facing?
I was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 22 and after numerous failed surgical attempts I was forced to undergo a hysterectomy at the age of 24. This surgery left me unable to have children on my own; however, my oncologist left my ovaries in an attempt to allow me to use a gestational surrogate to carry my own biological child. My husband and I began the process in June of 2013, prior to our wedding to avoid the emotional and financial burden of IVF and the surrogacy together, as the costs are extremely high and most is not covered by insurance. After IVF, we were fortunate enough to have 8 embryos which are now cytologically frozen until we are ready to begin the surrogacy stage.
Q. Which books, quotes, websites, verses, movies, songs, etc. have been an encouragement to you during your journey?
Humor and support from friends and family has been our motivation to remain positive and upbeat. I often joke that I will have a Disney Frozen themed baby shower and that our birth announcement is written to the tune of “Do you want to build a snowman?…Do you want to build a baby?” Becoming a parent the “normal” way is stressful enough and with the added stress this puts on us daily, laughter truly is the best and only medicine.
Q. What made you decide to blog about your journey?
When searching for books and or writings about surrogacy, I was left confused and without many publications, which was the primary reason for me starting my blog, What to Expect When You’re NOT Expecting. Writing is and always has been a passion of mine, and I feel that my story can and will help not only myself get through this, but others who may be experiencing similar situations as well. I have been fortunate enough to have been featured on WTNH in an interview about my blog; as well as been featured in Fertility Road magazine, and was named Blogger of the Year for 2014 by thebabyspot.ca! I am incredibly honored by all of these wonderful accomplishments and the opportunities to reach others with my story.
Q. How have you taken care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually during your struggles?
I find strength in my moments of weakness by remembering that this will all be worth it when I am holding our child. I love children and have envisioned myself as a mother since I was young. I know that no matter what life throws my way I can and will handle it and will come out stronger and wiser.
Q. Have you been able to find a “silver lining” in your infertility?
The silver linings to this journey are that I am alive. I chose a hysterectomy to save my life, and I choose now to living my life and making the best of everything and anything that I am faced with. My mother lost her battle to cancer at the age of 39, when I was only 16 years old. Even now I am smiling as I remember how she was always smiling and always cheerful; she lived her life in a way that I strive to follow. Life is a gift and we are all the lucky recipients, I have learned that you do not need to wait for or search for the silver lining, because today and every other day that follows is my silver lining 🙂
Many thanks to Colleen for sharing her story. You can read more about her on her blog or connect with her on Facebook. Please leave her a comment below to let her know you appreciate her.
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